1 Introduction

1.1 Research Background

Abraham Maslow, one of the major founders of humanistic psychology, became renowned for his theory on the hierarchy of needs. This theory offers a profound perspective on human nature, examining the innate qualities that drive individuals toward self-fulfillment. Maslow’s hierarchy is typically represented as a pyramid, with the most basic physiological needs—such as food, water, and shelter—forming the foundation. These essential needs are critical for survival, and once they are met, individuals can address higher-level needs built upon this base. Progressing upward, the next tier encompasses safety needs, including security, stability, and protection from harm. With these needs fulfilled, individuals seek love and a sense of belonging, desiring social connections, intimacy, and acceptance within their communities. Above these are esteem needs, which pertain to self-respect and the recognition of accomplishments. Finally, at the apex of the pyramid is self-actualization, where individuals strive to achieve their full potential, personal growth, and fulfillment [1-3].

1.2 Significance of the Study

Humanistic psychology emphasizes personal development and growth by focusing on the individual’s internal experiences. This approach prioritizes internal factors—such as thoughts, feelings, and motivations—considering them essential and formative in shaping human behavior. Humanistic psychologists have criticized behaviorism for its exclusive focus on observable behaviors and external stimuli, arguing that this limitation prevents it from addressing the internal nature of human experience. Behaviorism has also been accused of neglecting individuality by concentrating solely on external observations. In contrast, humanistic psychology seeks to explore the full range of human experiences, encompassing emotions, values, and personal beliefs. It views humans as uniquely purposeful and capable beings, aiming to understand behavior and motivation in a holistic manner [1].

2 Literature Review

2.1 Historical and Developmental Context of Maslow’s Theory

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, first proposed in 1943, is a widely recognized model for understanding human motivations within the field of psychology. This theory organizes human needs into five hierarchical levels, starting with basic survival needs at the foundation. Above these are safety needs, followed by the need for love and belonging, esteem needs, and culminating with self-actualization at the peak. Physiological needs encompass essentials for survival, such as food and water, while safety needs pertain to physical and emotional security and stability. Love and belonging emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships and social connections [4]. Maslow hypothesized that individuals can only pursue higher-level needs once their lower-level needs have been sufficiently satisfied.

2.2 Critiques and Support for the Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Despite its widespread application in psychology and education, Maslow’s theory has faced significant criticism. Behavioral scientists argue that the pyramid oversimplifies human motivations and lacks sufficient scientific evidence to support its claims [5]. Critics highlight that Maslow’s concept of self-actualization was primarily derived from his studies of a small group of extraordinary individuals, leading to a biased sample and limiting the generalizability of his findings [4]. Additionally, Maslow’s theory has been criticized for disregarding the impact of cultural and social contexts on the fulfillment of needs. This critique is particularly relevant in collectivist societies, where the prioritization of needs often conflicts with the structure proposed by Maslow’s hierarchy [6].

2.3 Contemporary Applications and Cross-Cultural Studies

Self-actualization, the highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy, refers to the realization of one’s full potential. Maslow conceptualized self-actualization as transcending the gratification of personal needs, emphasizing creativity, morality, and personal growth [7]. Individuals who achieve self-actualization often demonstrate higher levels of self-acceptance, creativity, and meaningful emotional connections with others [8]. However, Maslow acknowledged that truly self-actualized individuals are rare and that numerous factors, such as social environments and personal experiences, can hinder this process [4-5, 9-10].

3 Core Theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

3.1 Introduction to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that provides a framework for understanding human motivation. The needs are depicted as a pyramid, emphasizing their progression from basic to more complex levels. At the base of the pyramid are physiological needs, which include essential requirements for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. These needs are fundamental because they serve as the foundation upon which the other levels are built; without their fulfillment, individuals cannot focus on higher-level needs. The next level consists of safety needs, encompassing both tangible aspects like physical safety and intangible elements such as psychological security. This category includes the need for stability in one’s environment, financial security, good health, and personal freedom. Once these needs are satisfied, individuals typically turn their attention to social needs, which reflect the innate human desire for belonging and love. This layer emphasizes relationships with family, friends, and the broader community, highlighting the importance of social connection and intimacy. Above social needs are esteem needs, which can be divided into two categories: self-esteem and external recognition. People seek respect, recognition, and a sense of achievement because these aspects contribute to building self-esteem and confidence. At the apex of the hierarchy is self-actualization, where individuals strive to fully express their potential through personal growth, creativity, and self-improvement. This level represents the realization of one’s unique talents and abilities, driven by the desire for personal fulfillment and self-discovery [1-3].

3.2 Relationship Among Different Levels Within Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Although Maslow’s hierarchy is sometimes presented as a linear process, it acknowledges that individuals progress at different rates based on their personal development and cultural contexts, thereby expressing satisfaction in diverse ways. For example, even when social needs remain unmet, self-esteem through personal achievements may still be attained. This illustrates the flexible and dynamic nature of human motivation. Maslow’s theory not only provides a structured understanding of human needs but also highlights the interplay of various factors influencing personal development and fulfillment in relation to motivation. Its adaptability makes the hierarchy applicable across different cultures and individual experiences. Furthermore, the journey toward self-actualization is emphasized as a variable process that differs across populations [2].

3.3 Self-Actualization

Self-actualization represents the pinnacle of personal growth, embodying the process of realizing one’s full potential. It occupies the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where individuals transcend the fulfillment of basic necessities to pursue a more meaningful and purpose-driven existence. People striving for self-actualization often demonstrate profound self-awareness, a clear understanding of reality, authentic relationships with others, and a strong sense of responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Achieving self-actualization requires the development of certain character traits, including harmony in three dimensions: with oneself, in interpersonal relationships, and in relation to reality. Personal harmony involves self-acceptance—acknowledging oneself as one truly is. For example, if someone’s passion lies in psychology, fully engaging in that interest fosters personal growth and fulfillment, laying the foundation for self-actualization.

Interpersonal harmony is equally significant. Building healthy relationships necessitates collaboration, mutual respect, and a cooperative spirit among all parties. A self-actualized individual seeks to uplift others, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation rather than conflict. This not only enhances personal relationships but also contributes to collective prosperity by creating supportive communities.

Harmony with reality involves accepting both internal and external factors. Internally, this means embracing one’s limitations and imperfections, which fosters self-confidence and a realistic awareness of areas requiring improvement. Externally, it involves taking full responsibility for one’s actions and striving for excellence in every endeavor. Self-actualized individuals avoid mediocrity, relate constructively to the world, maintain friendliness, and cultivate positive relationships with others [1-2].

3.4 Key Challenges

When analyzing human nature, several fundamental shortcomings in Maslow’s theory become evident. First, both humanism and naturalism provide only partial insights into human nature. Naturalism emphasizes biological inheritance, positing that genes are the primary determinants of individual behavior and needs. This perspective overlooks the significant influence of social settings and cultural backgrounds on human behavior. For instance, Confucian culture demonstrates how Chinese values prioritize the pursuit of high moral standards alongside physiological needs. This limitation is compounded by the extreme individualism and strong sense of personal agency inherent in Maslow’s framework, which tends to underestimate society’s role in shaping individuals. While self-actualization and the assessment of personal value are undoubtedly important, Maslow later acknowledged the crucial role of social relationships and cultural contexts in shaping individual development. Addressing the complexities of human nature requires an interactional approach, one that examines how biological factors interrelate with social influences. Such an integrated perspective would better address the challenges faced by individuals and society, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the ultimate aims of human development [3].

4 Results

In summary, self-actualization is multifaceted, featuring dedication to harmony with oneself, care for relationships, and a realistic approach to life. The individual desiring the highest state of being pays attention not only to their own perfection but also serves the good of those around them. By cultivating these qualities, they open pathways that lead to a purposeful and connected life. Ultimately, self-actualization will come full circle, effecting change both in the individual and in the larger community to which they belong; growth and positivity will follow.

5 Conclusions

The humanistic contribution to psychology has played a crucial role in redefining human potential and creativity. Traditional approaches to psychology often viewed people from a medical perspective, but humanistic psychology introduced a new viewpoint by integrating social and life contexts into research. This shift elevated the status of psychology as a discipline.

Maslow’s work was particularly important in challenging mechanistic views that reduced humans to mere machines. He introduced the concept of human motivation psychology, emphasizing that each individual possesses unique feelings, desires, and thoughts that distinguish them from animals. While basic needs may be similar to those of animals, humanistic psychology prioritizes higher needs that are uniquely characteristic of humans. This approach celebrates individual differences and the pursuit of self-actualization, fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to be human in a complex world.